The operator of the Navy's speedboat involved in the recent accident has been identified as Karamveer Yadav, a sailor. So far, statements from 16 individuals, including the boat owner and the operator, have been recorded, according to a police official.
A police officer stated, “On the first day of the investigation, statements from seven individuals were recorded, and yesterday, nine more statements were taken. Among those questioned are Rajendra Padte, the owner of the ferry boat ‘Nilkamal,’ and Mondal, the boat's operator.”
Hurdles in Conducting Panchnama of the Ferry Boat
The Colaba police are facing challenges in conducting the panchnama (inspection) of the accident-struck ferry boat, which is currently anchored at Bhaucha Dhakka in the sea. Due to the boat being stuck in mud, it cannot be moved to the waters near Elephanta Island, according to a police officer. Sources confirmed that efforts are underway to transport the boat to the Elephanta area for further investigation.
Casualties and Ongoing Investigation
Out of the six individuals onboard the Navy speedboat, four lost their lives, and one Navy officer, Karamveer Yadav, is critically injured and receiving treatment in the ICU at INS Asvini Hospital. Colaba Police are awaiting Yadav’s recovery to record his statement. Another civilian, Deep Nikose, is also injured and undergoing treatment.
Deceased Individuals
The deceased onboard the Navy speedboat include:
Mahendra Singh Shekhawat – A Navy sailor whose body has been sent to Rajasthan.
Praveen Sharma – An employee of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
Mangesh – An employee of the OEM.
T. Deepak – An employee of the OEM.
Among the six individuals onboard, only Shekhawat and Yadav were Navy personnel. The remaining four, including the injured civilian mechanic Deep Nikose, were hired on a contractual basis.
